Searching for a web development company in Kolkata returns a long list of agencies and freelancers. Websites, portfolios and promises look similar, so the real differences only show up in how a team scopes work, handles ownership and supports the site after launch. This checklist helps you compare options before you commit.
My Advisers is a technology consulting partner based in Kolkata. We help businesses choose the right services and integrate them. This guide is written from that advisory side and is meant to help you evaluate any provider, including ones other than us.
Step 1: Define what you actually need
- Purpose: generate enquiries, sell online, take bookings, publish content or present a profile.
- Platform: WordPress suits most business sites; online stores and custom apps need different choices. See our website platforms guide.
- Content: who writes the copy and supplies images?
- Budget and timeline: read our cost guide and timeline guide first.
Step 2: Judge their work, not their sales pitch
- Open their portfolio sites on a phone. Check speed, layout and whether pages feel finished.
- Ask for projects similar to yours and, if possible, speak to a past client.
- Check whether the sites they built are still maintained and still ranking for something.
- Look for evidence of the exact work you need, not only visual design.
Step 3: Ask about technical quality
- How do they handle mobile layout, page speed and Core Web Vitals?
- Do they set up HTTPS, redirects, sitemaps, analytics and Search Console as part of the build?
- How do they structure headings, titles and internal links? Our on-page SEO checklist shows what good looks like.
- What is their plan for backups, security updates and recovery?
Step 4: Settle ownership and contract terms in writing
- The domain and hosting accounts should be registered in your name.
- You should receive admin access and, where relevant, the source files.
- The agreement should list pages, features, number of revisions, payment milestones and what counts as done.
- Clarify what is included after launch: bug fixes, support period, maintenance and who pays for plugins and licences.
- Confirm whether quotes include GST.
Step 5: Check communication and process
A good partner explains trade-offs plainly, gives you milestones you can review, and tells you early when scope changes the price. Compare their process with the steps in our website development process guide. If a team cannot explain its process, expect surprises later.
Red flags
- Guaranteed first-page rankings or guaranteed traffic.
- A price that is far below every other quote with no scope in writing.
- Refusing to give you admin access or hosting details.
- Portfolio sites that are slow, broken or no longer online.
- Pressure to sign immediately.
Questions to ask on the first call
- Who will actually work on my site, and who is my contact?
- What exactly is included in the quote, and what is not?
- Who owns the domain, hosting and files?
- How will you handle speed, SEO basics and tracking?
- What happens after launch, and what does support cost?
- Can I see a recent project like mine and speak to that client?
Frequently asked questions
Should I hire a local Kolkata team or an agency elsewhere?
Location matters less than quality, communication and ownership terms. A local team can make meetings easier, but judge them by the checklist above.
Freelancer or agency?
Freelancers can suit smaller projects, while agencies add project management and backup if one person is unavailable. Either works if scope, ownership and support are clear.
Can My Advisers help me choose?
Yes. Technology consulting is free through our Apply Form. We can help you define scope, compare quotes and decide what to buy.
Browse the Web Development Guide for more, or contact us with questions.